A blog article that talks about a checklist for new parents. Lists the items to cover, such as visiting the doctor, registering at daycare, or sitting down with family members over dinner. It also discusses what you should organize and other tools you can use.
When to Start?
When to Start: New Baby Checklist
Congratulations on your new arrival! Here are some tips to help you start your journey as a new parent.
- Get a copy of the Baby Center’s New Parent Checklist (available online or at most pediatric offices). This checklist will help you organize your thoughts and plan for your new baby’s first year.
- Talk to your partner, family, and friends about what they did for their babies and how you can adapt some of their ideas into your routine.
- Make a list of important things to you (e.g., sleep, breastfeeding, meeting milestones). Rank these items in order of importance and create a plan that reflects this ranking.
- Get organized! Have all the necessary supplies (e.g., diapers, wipes, clothing, formula) and put them where they will be easily accessible. Label cabinets and drawers with your child’s name, so everything is easy to find when you need it.
- Get out and explore with your new baby! Take them for walks around the block or
Newborn Checklist
The first thing you need to do when your new baby arrives is create a newborn checklist. This will help you get organized and ensure everything is done before your little one wakes up! Here are the basics:
– Get a crib or bassinet ready
– Get diapers, wipes, and cream ready
– Get a baby bathtub or sink set up
– Make a list of the food your child needs (breast milk, formula, snacks, etc.)
– Set up a changing table or portable crib
– Get a baby monitor if desired
Important milestones for each age
The first few months of a new baby’s life are filled with many exciting changes. Here are some important milestones to keep in mind as your little one grows:
Tips on checking for proper growth & development
When you become a new parent, one of your first tasks is to check your baby’s growth. Here are some tips on how to do this:
-Start by measuring the baby’s head at each stage of development. Check for an increment in size each month; babies should grow about 1/2 inch between birth and 6 months old, 1 inch between 6 and 12 months old, and about 2 inches between 12 and 24 months old.
-Make sure the baby is gaining weight evenly. They should gain about 1/2 pound each week from birth until approximately 3 months old, then increase to 1 pound per week until 12 months old. After that, babies should continue to increase in weight at a rate of about 1/2 pound per month up to age 2.
-Observe the baby’s movements and posture. A growing baby will move its arms and legs, turn over, sit up, and crawl. If there are any concerns, contact your health care provider.
Alternative ways to track milestones and stay in touch with your baby
When your baby is born, it can be overwhelming to track all the new milestones. Between work, family, and newborn sleep, it can be hard to remember what happened! Here are some alternatives to traditional baby milestones:
-Write down what your baby does daily, including waking up, feeding, napping, crying, smiling, and cooing. This will help you keep track of your baby’s development and give you a sense of accomplishment.
-Track how much your baby sleeps each night by keeping a sleep diary. This will let you see if there are any patterns or changes in how much sleep your baby is getting.
-Take photos of your baby every week and post them on social media or on your blog. This will help you document your baby’s growth and development over time.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re about to become a parent. Here are some tips to help make the first year as a parent as smooth as possible.
